" What the fuck was that about?” Vaughn said, standing over me.
“I pissed him off.”
Dark blue eyes flicking to the restroom, Vaughn reached back and scratched at his shoulder. “All I know is when Judd came back from Texas, he was all hollowed out. Like a ghost, I guess. This morning before his bitch fit, he looked alive again. Whatever you said or did, can’t be that big a deal compared to the shit mood he’s been in lately.”
Glancing at the restroom, I wanted to go back to before I said the words. My honesty ruined our happy morning.
“You can’t take it personally,” Vaughn added when I just stared at the restroom. “You know how moody Judd is. Always crying and bitching about something. A freaking drama queen.”
Grinning, I looked up at him. “Thank you.”
“Men like us aren’t used to pretty girls looking at them like you look at Judd. He’s not sure what to do with you and you’re just gonna have to be patient while he figures shit out.”
“Okay,” I said, studied him. Whereas Judd hid a deep sorrow and iced heart behind his walls, I sensed Vaughn concealed a barely contained rage. He smiled easily enough, but it was a ruse. Just like Judd who acted like the world didn’t touch him, Vaughn faked his exterior to avoid showing anything to the world.
“Why do they call you Outlaw?” I asked.
Vaughn sighed. “Because it’s better than calling me dead man walking.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You don’t need to, darlin. The drama queen returns.”
When Judd appeared next to me, his expression was unreadable while kissing me softly. When he pulled away, his gaze flickered to Vaughn. “Thanks.”
“You are so premenstrual sometimes.”
Grinning, Judd sat down across from me then glanced at Vaughn. “Fuck off.”
Vaughn leaned his hip against the side of the booth and sized me up. “What is it about the Smith sisters that makes otherwise strong men lose their balls?”
“I have no idea and I’m out of sisters, so I guess you’re out of luck.”
“Thank the Lord too. I like my balls attached. "

― Bijou Hunter , Damaged and the Knight (Damaged, #2)